Optometry’s Meeting® day 2 all about wins

“'Moving with striking swiftness, overcoming obstacles, advancing on all fronts.' That’s our year in a nutshell.”

Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University are the winners of Thursday night's 25th annual Varilux® Optometry Student BowlTM sponsored by Essilor.

Amid a fanfare of state optometric association flags, the 119th session of the House of Delegates was called to order on day 2 of Optometry's Meeting® in Boston, Massachusetts.

In his address Thursday, Executive Director Jon Hymes described the organization as moving in the right direction. Not only has attendance for the 2016 Optometry's Meeting increased, but also advocacy on behalf of the AOA.

Hymes noted several successes and cited a reference in a May 2016 article on the popular internet news service Buzzfeed that called the AOA a "lobbying force" opposing Opternative on the state and national level with "striking swiftness."

"'Moving with striking swiftness, overcoming obstacles, advancing on all fronts,'" he recalled. "That's our year in a nutshell."

He added, "We're a hard-working bunch, determined to support the work of AOA volunteers and move forward when others are unable to. It's no exaggeration to tell you that we're all in 24/7/365. And, together with the leaders in this room and at the direction of Dr. Steven A. Loomis and the AOA officers and trustees, this organization made quite a difference over the past year."

The priorities going forward in serving and attracting new members include: advocacy, continuing education, practice tools and promoting optometry.

"This doesn't happen without all of you and without the AOA being determined, opportunistic, relentless and as well led as it is," Hymes said.

Among Thursday's other highlights:

TAYE exceeds expectationsAOA President Steven A. Loomis, O.D., and Martin Bassett, chairman of The Vision Council—one of the sponsors of the TAYE campaign—provided members with an update on the Think About Your Eyes (TAYE) campaign. Dr. Loomis called TAYE "by far, the strongest and most effective consumer campaign we've ever had in the profession and optical industry."

The campaign, which launched in 2013, includes radio and television spots and online ads at peak hours of the day and in popular media outlets. TAYE led to:

828,000 additional eye exams in 2015

Double the number of eye exams from before the campaign's launch

Over 1.5 million additional patients with previously undiagnosed eye disease uncovered over the past two years

"We're excited about what we've been able to accomplish so far and would love to do even more with even more of you on board," Dr. Loomis said. "We have a powerful opportunity right in front of us, and I encourage all of you to help us grasp it."

Strength in numbersIn his presentation Thursday, Curtis Ono, O.D., chair of the Affiliate Relations and Membership Group and chair of the Membership Development Committee, talked about AOA's efforts to grow. There is strength in numbers.

"Similar to other areas like advocacy, third party or public awareness, in the area of membership, we—you and the AOA—are better together," Dr. Ono said.

The Membership Development Committee has designed a new marketing strategy it will pilot over a six-month period in the states of Georgia and Minnesota. The strategy involves quickly and nimbly customizing messages and events to reach potential members. One key message—AOA: United in possibilities.

"The most effective tool for getting a new member is making a personal connection," Dr. Ono said.

AOA members are already doing this by making personal phone calls, inviting students to serve on committees, and hosting networking events.

Award recipients celebratedDavid McBride, executive director of the Nebraska Optometric Association (NOA), was named recipient of the Virgil Deering Award given to the AOA's outstanding executive director. Under McBride's direction, the NOA has nearly doubled its membership and helped start a leadership program for young members. It also has overseen significant public policy or statutory changes that benefited the profession.

Kerry Beebe, O.D., from Brainerd, Minnesota, was recognized with the 2016 Dr. W. David Sullins Jr. InfantSEE® Award. The award goes to a doctor of optometry who has made significant contributions to the profession or to his/her community through outstanding community service involving the InfantSEE program. Last year alone, his practice, Brainerd Eyecare Center, submitted more than 115 infant assessments.

Optometric showdown Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) at Ferris State University hoisted the coveted crystal trophy in victory Thursday night at the 25th annual Varilux® Optometry Student BowlTM sponsored by Essilor. Evan Andrews, of MCO, earned bragging rights for his school. The "Spirit Award," honoring the school with the most energy, greatest costumes and flashiest entrance, was captured by Southern College of Optometry. The highly competitive, high-speed test of optometric intellect is one of the highlights of Optometry's Meeting, attracting cheering students and optometrist alums alike.

Connect with Optometry's Meeting daily Couldn't make it to Boston? Although there's no substitute for the real thing, you can catch a glimpse of Optometry's Meeting and stay engaged with the latest happenings via AOA's online coverage.

Past AOA President, Steven A. Loomis, O.D., and elected AOA President Andrea P. Thau, O.D., at the 2017 House of Delegates.

Andrea P. Thau, O.D., elected AOA president, at the 2017 House of Delegates.

VISION USA celebrates 25 years of service.

Attendees explore the Exhibit Hall.

Attendees explore the Exhibit Hall.

Attendees explore the Exhibit Hall.

Attendees take advantage of more than 200 hours of CE during Optometry’s Meeting®.

Attendees take advantage of more than 200 hours of CE during Optometry’s Meeting®.

Members at Optometry’s Meeting dressing up in 'steampunk' garb from Optometric Historical Society to participate in the donate a photo campaign from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.to support Infant SEE®.

Evan Andrews, of Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) at Ferris State University, claims the coveted crystal trophy in victory at the 25th annual Varilux® Optometry Student BowlTM sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

Schools and colleges of optometry battle to be the smartest, loudest, and most creative in the 25th Annual Varilux® Optometry Student Bowl™, sponsored by Essilor.

All states were represented at the Flag Ceremony during the AOA House of Delegates.The House of Delegates begins its session on Thursday, June 30, at Optometry’s Meeting®.

The House of Delegates begins its session on Thursday, June 30, at Optometry’s Meeting®.

The House of Delegates begins its session on Thursday, June 30, at Optometry’s Meeting®.

David McBride, executive director of the Nebraska Optometric Association (NOA), pictured with NOA members, receives the Virgil Deering Award given to the AOA’s outstanding executive director.

The Exhibit Hall opens with the traditional ribbong-cutting ceremony.

The Exhibit Hall opens June 30 during Optometry’s Meeting®.

AOA teamed up with Johnson & Johnson to be a part of its Donate a Photo campaign. Attendees ‘donate’ a photo, and with every photo uploaded, Johnson & Johnson gives $1 to Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation and InfantSEE®.

Daniel Kish, a blind man who learned to “see” using a form of echolocation, gives a presentation during the TED Talks inspired, OD Talks: Through a Patient's Eyes.

Daniel Kish, a blind man who learned to “see” using a form of echolocation, gives a presentation during the TED Talks inspired, OD Talks: Through a Patient's Eyes.

Clark Elliott, Ph.D., author of The Ghost in My Brain: How a Concussion Stole My Life and How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Helped Me Get It Back, gives a presentation during the TED Talks inspired, OD Talks: Through a Patient's Eyes.

Clark Elliott, Ph.D., author of The Ghost in My Brain: How a Concussion Stole My Life and How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Helped Me Get It Back, gives a presentation during the TED Talks inspired, OD Talks: Through a Patient's Eyes.

Sue Barry, Ph.D., author of Fixing My Gaze; A Scientist’s Journey into Seeing in Three Dimensions, gives a presentation during the TED Talks inspired, OD Talks: Through a Patient's Eyes.

Sue Barry, Ph.D., author of Fixing My Gaze; A Scientist’s Journey into Seeing in Three Dimensions, gives a presentation during the TED Talks inspired, OD Talks: Through a Patient's Eyes.